51Âþ»­

Research work to support more affordable housing and tackle the issue of homelessness in the UK has earned a senior researcher a prestigious accolade.

Professor Jo Richardson, Professor of Housing and Social inclusion at 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­), was among 65 academics to be conferred as Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences, as announced last month.



The new fellows are drawn from academics, practitioners and policymakers across the social sciences. They have been nominated by their learned societies in recognition of the
excellence and impact of their work through the use of social science for public benefit.

Professor Richardson was nominated by the (HSA) which is the leading independent forum for the promotion of housing studies in the UK.

She said: “It is such an honour to have been conferred Fellowship of the Academy of Social Sciences. I was thrilled that my colleagues in the Housing Studies Association nominated me for my contribution to housing and social science for public benefit.

“The Housing Studies Association supports the intellectual endeavour of academics and practitioners to contribute impactful research ideas for societal benefit and I am proud to be part of this learned society.

“We live in an uncertain and complex world – it is vital that we continue to work together to support the HSA and its members to help deliver much-needed safe, secure and affordable homes.”

The new Fellows are drawn from academics, practitioners and policymakers across the social sciences. This includes substantial contributions and leadership in various fields,
including higher education, social, economic and environmental policy, government, law, charitable foundations and think tanks.

Professor Andy Collop, interim Vice-Chancellor at 51Âþ»­, said: "I am delighted that Jo has been elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. Her innovative, public-centred research is an inspiration to many researchers here at 51Âþ»­ and this accolade shows that this high opinion is shared by peers around the country as well.”

The HSA also nominated Dr Ligia Teixeria, of the Centre for Homelessness Impact, to be a Fellow.

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Professor Philip Brown, Chair of the HSA said: “It is superb news that the Academy of Social Sciences have conferred the award of Fellow on both Ligia and Jo. They have each made huge contributions to housing studies in their respective fields as well as wider contributions to social sciences.

“These two candidates have made significant wider contributions to society in their pursuit of housing justice on behalf of marginalised communities. On behalf of the Housing Studies Association executive committee I would like to congratulate them on their achievement.”

As well as being a researcher and Associate Dean (Research) for the Faculty of Business and Law, Professor Richardson was elected the vice-president of the Chartered Institute of
Housing (CIH) earlier this year.